Fire engine CCTV catches motorists’ fake claims

Disgrace of failed fraudsters

CCTV caught out two motorists trying to make bogus claims against firefighters.

Fire chiefs in Greater Manchester have revealed details of the fake claims to warn people against trying to defraud them.

They have hailed CCTV installed on fire engines for saving thousands of pounds in insurance claims and helping to scupper the bogus accusations.

In the first incident, a motorist claimed a fire engine sped off from a petrol station forecourt in Stockport so fast it collided with his car with such force that it moved the vehicle, causing damage to the car and injuries to those inside.

But the CCTV footage clearly showed the fire engine creeping away from the petrol pump and brushing the bumper only slightly.

In the second case, a motorist in Stretford claimed a firefighter seriously damaged her car when he jumped out of a fire engine in response to a house fire.

But the CCTV showed the vehicle was already damaged and she had driven into the fire engine herself.

Councillor Paul Shannon, chairman of Greater Manchester Fire Authority, said he was disgusted by both claims.

He said: “The Fire and Rescue Service is funded by public money. To think that people who live within Greater Manchester would actively try and defraud money from us is a disgrace.”

CCTV on fire engines is primarily used to protect fire crews as they attend incidents around the area but have more recently assisted the service and the police in a variety of other cases.

Councillor Shannon added: “I’m all for this type of detective work if it helps stop such unscrupulous people making a quick buck out of us.

“To think our crews are out there, often putting their lives at risk supporting the community and providing assistance in emergencies, and this is the way some people chose to repay them is disgusting.

“I’d like to say here and now we won’t be afraid to name and shame such behaviour in the future.”